Vasopressin

Video Transcript

Vasopressin

Let’s go ahead and understand the pharmacology of Vasopressin.

Vasopressin is used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, GI hemorrhage and
esophageal varices. In some cases, it is reported to show benefits in vasodilatory shock.
Let’s see the mechanism of action.
Vasopressin is a posterior pituitary hormone which can also be prepared or extracted
synthetically from animals. It increases tubular reabsorption of water thereby exerts
direct antidiuretic action on the kidney reabsorption. It also acts by constricting the
peripheral blood vessels and causes the smooth muscle of the intestine, gallbladder and
urinary bladder to contract.
In case of diabetes insipidus, vasopressin of 5 to 10 units is administered. For
gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 0.2 to 0.4 microgram per minute is prescribed. In case of
vasodilatory shock, 0.01 to 0.1 microgram per minute is prescribed.
Monitor serum and urine sodium, urine and serum osmolality, urine output, fluid input
and output, blood pressure, heart rate, while administering vasopressin.
The adverse effects of vasopressin include increased blood pressure, bradycardia,
arrhythmias, venous thrombosis, abdominal cramps, tremor, angina, cardiac arrest,
bronchoconstriction.
Let’s take a closer look at the pharmacology of Vecuronium.
Vecuronium provides skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
It has no amnestic or analgesic properties.
Vecuronium blocks nicotinic receptors by competitively binding to it and thereby
preventing acetylcholine binding. This results in skeletal muscle relaxation.
Talking about the dose of administration,
Vecuronium is usually administered at a dose of 80 to 100 microgram per kilogram is
given by IV or Intravenous. Maintenance dose: 20 to 30 microgram per kilogram by
injection or by infusion at 0.8 to 1.4 microgram per kilogram per min.
 Vasopressin
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral nerve stimulation wile administering
vecuronium.
The adverse effects of vecuronium are urticaria, bronchospasm, a potential for prolonged
paralysis or weakness with the prolonged administration (systemic steroids), difficulty in
breathing, swelling of the face, irregular heartbeat, swelling and redness at the site of
injection.